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Load Capacity of Nickel–Metal Hydride Battery and Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells in the Fuel-Cell-Hybrid-Electric-Vehicle Powertrain

Author

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  • Ireneusz Pielecha

    (Institute of Combustion Engines and Powertrains, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Filip Szwajca

    (Institute of Combustion Engines and Powertrains, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Kinga Skobiej

    (Institute of Combustion Engines and Powertrains, Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of loading on the hybrid powertrain of the FCAT-30 model, equipped with a proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This study involves analyzing structural component performance based on voltage and current measurements of the fuel cell, battery, and powertrain. Tests conducted under different load conditions reveal significant differences in battery current and fuel-cell voltage, highlighting the crucial role of the battery in the powertrain. External loading induces cyclic operation of the fuel cell, generating peak power. The energy balance analysis demonstrates that, under no-load conditions, the vehicle consumes 37.3% of its energy from the fuel cell, with a total energy consumption of 3597 J. Under load, the energy from the battery is significantly utilized, resulting in a constant fuel-cell share of approximately 19%, regardless of the vehicle’s load. This study concludes that the battery predominantly drives the powertrain, with the fuel cell acting as a secondary energy source. These findings provide valuable insights into the power distribution and energy balance in the hybrid powertrain. Using a load driving profile reduced the fuel-cell-stack energy contribution by 6.85% relative to driving without an external load.

Suggested Citation

  • Ireneusz Pielecha & Filip Szwajca & Kinga Skobiej, 2023. "Load Capacity of Nickel–Metal Hydride Battery and Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells in the Fuel-Cell-Hybrid-Electric-Vehicle Powertrain," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:22:p:7657-:d:1283254
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ireneusz Pielecha & Andrzej Szałek & Grzegorz Tchorek, 2022. "Two Generations of Hydrogen Powertrain—An Analysis of the Operational Indicators in Real Driving Conditions (RDC)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Arsalis, Alexandros, 2019. "A comprehensive review of fuel cell-based micro-combined-heat-and-power systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 391-414.
    3. Zhang, Jikai & Wang, Changjian & Zhang, Aifeng, 2022. "Experimental study on temperature and performance of an open-cathode PEMFC stack under thermal radiation environment," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    4. Song Yan & Mingyang Yang & Chuanyu Sun & Sichuan Xu, 2023. "Liquid Water Characteristics in the Compressed Gradient Porosity Gas Diffusion Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
    5. Liu, Zhiyang & Chen, Jian & Liu, Hao & Yan, Chizhou & Hou, Yang & He, Qinggang & Zhang, Jiujun & Hissel, Daniel, 2020. "Anode purge management for hydrogen utilization and stack durability improvement of PEM fuel cell systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
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